Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tales of Symphonia offers a dynamic battle system that departs from traditional turn-based RPG mechanics. Combat unfolds in real time on a single plane, allowing you to control one character directly while issuing strategic commands to the rest of your party. Basic attacks are executed with the A button, while the B button unleashes character-specific special moves and spells. As you chain basic attacks into artes, you can build up combos that feel fluid and responsive, rewarding precise timing and positioning.

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The game’s unique Ex-Sphere system adds another layer of customization. By equipping up to four Ex-Spheres per character, you can enhance basic stats or unlock entirely new abilities—both in and out of combat. Outside the battlefield, cooking provides a charming alternative method for healing your party. Each character’s culinary skill and the ingredients you gather in towns and dungeons combine to produce a variety of restorative dishes, encouraging exploration and resource management.

Party configuration and AI strategy settings ensure that every battle can be tailored to your playstyle. You can swap control between major characters on the fly, each boasting distinct fighting styles—Lloyd’s balanced swordplay, Colette’s healing magic, Genis’s powerful spells, and more. When playing solo, you assign strategic roles to CPU teammates, such as directing your ranged fighters to hang back or telling spellcasters to focus on specific targets. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can join in cooperative combat, turning every skirmish into a lively, tactical affair.

Graphics

Even years after its initial release, Tales of Symphonia’s visuals retain a timeless charm thanks to its anime-inspired art direction. The character models are rendered with cel-shaded textures that emphasize vibrant colors and crisp outlines, giving each hero and villain a distinct, expressive look. Landscapes range from the serene, forested environs of Iselia to the grand, looming architecture of the Tower of Salvation, all rendered with enough detail to foster a sense of wonder.

Environmental variety plays a major role in keeping the world engaging. Towns feel lived-in, with bustling NPCs, animated storefronts, and hidden nooks to discover. Dungeons and caves, while sometimes repetitive in layout, employ clever lighting effects and set pieces—glowing crystals, ancient statues, and ethereal magic seals—that elevate visual interest. The transition between areas is smooth and rarely interrupted by loading screens, helping maintain immersion.

Cut-scenes leverage full voice acting, facial animations, and sweeping camera angles to punctuate key story moments with dramatic flair. Although in-game skits revert to text-only dialogue, these sequences feature character portraits and simple animations that convey emotion effectively. This combination of high-quality FMV sequences and in-engine storytelling ensures that both action and narrative beats are presented with polish.

Story

Tales of Symphonia’s narrative begins in the tranquil village of Iselia, where protagonist Lloyd Irving studies under Professor Raine Sage. The tale quickly unfolds as Colette Brunel, rumored to be the daughter of an angel and hand-marked as the “Chosen of Sylvarant,” embarks on a pilgrimage to regenerate the dying world. Their quest to unlock magic seals and ascend the Tower of Salvation sets the stage for a journey filled with wonder, peril, and unexpected twists.

Underlying this heroic quest is a deeper conflict with the Desians, a race of half-elves exerting oppressive control over Sylvarant’s populace. The moral complexity of ending one society’s tyranny at the risk of another’s genocide gives the plot gravity beyond standard good-vs-evil tropes. As you uncover the truth behind regeneration and the origins of two parallel worlds, loyalties are tested and characters are forced to confront the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

Character skits provide an intimate look at the party’s evolving relationships. Triggered at key moments or by exploring specific locales, these bite-sized dialogues range from lighthearted banter to poignant revelations. While they lack full voiceover, skits deepen your empathy for each companion, revealing backstories, motivations, and the emotional toll of the group’s mission. This layered storytelling approach ensures that every character’s growth feels earned and memorable.

Overall Experience

Tales of Symphonia remains a shining example of a well-rounded JRPG that balances engaging combat, a compelling narrative, and charming presentation. The blend of real-time action, strategic customization, and cooperative multiplayer creates gameplay that feels fresh even after multiple playthroughs. Exploration is rewarding, from hidden chests in sleepy villages to challenging boss encounters in towering dungeons.

The game’s emotional resonance is bolstered by its memorable cast, each character undergoing meaningful development as the stakes rise. Whether you’re investing time in the main quest or simply cooking up a hearty meal for your party, the world of Sylvarant—and its mirrored counterpart, Tethe’alla—continues to captivate with its depth and lore. The moral dilemmas woven into the story add layers of nuance that encourage reflection long after the credits roll.

For newcomers to the Tales series and longtime fans alike, Tales of Symphonia offers an experience that feels both epic and personal. Its combination of accessible mechanics, enriched with strategic depth, makes it an excellent entry point for RPG enthusiasts. Despite its age, the game’s enduring qualities—vibrant art, dynamic combat, and heartfelt storytelling—ensure that it remains a must-play title for anyone seeking a classic, high-quality JRPG adventure.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10